Geography-formations

How are Gorges formed?

Gorges form as the waterfall retreats. Over a very long time, the process of undercutting is repeated many times which causes the waterfall to retreat.

How are Meanders formed?

Meanders usually occur in the middle or lower course of a river and are formed by erosion and deposition.

Waterfall

The sudden, and often vertical drop of a river along its course.

How are Levees formed?

They are found where a river flows slowly, carries a large load and floods occasionally. When the river floods the coarser material is deposited first close to the river channel. Over many years this coarse material builds up to form levees on the river bank.

How are Waterfalls formed?

Waterfalls often form in the upper stages of a river where it flows over different bands of rock. The soft rock erodes more quickly, undercutting the hard rock. The hard rock is left overhanging.

Meander

A bend in the river channel

Gorge

A narrow steep-sided deep valley.

Oxbow Lake

A semicircular area that used to be a meander. They are cut off from a water supply and so will eventually dry up.

How are Oxbow Lakes formed?

Oxbow Lakes are formed when a meander is cut off and deposition fills the section that no longer flows. This means it becomes separate from the river.

Levees

Raised banks along the lower course of a river. They are formed naturally but can be artificially increased in height.